' The Strength is their '
Thu Aug 05, 2021 8:30 am
MICK SAYS HE HAS A LARGE SQUAD / PLENTY OF BACK UP FOR ALL POSITIONS / A FEW RECOVERING FROM INJURIES / BUT ARE WE READY FOR BARNSLEY WITH PLAYERS STILL RECOVERING FROM INJURIES?
Cardiff have made smart signings, Cardiff have a wealth of midfield options,Cardiff look well stocked in terms of centre backs, two very good goalkeepers, the strength is their.
By Scott Johnson
Thursday 5th August 2021
Football never really stops, especially every other year, when an international tournament bridges the gap between one season and the next. The last couple of seasons felt like they blurred in to one and this season somehow feels like it has crept around again too soon. Especially when you look at a list of Cardiff’s walking wounded.
After a humbling pre-season defeat at the hands of Southampton, Mick McCarthy rattled off a post-match list of those suffering with various ailments and suffice to say, it did little to lift the mood.
Mick confirmed that Leandro Bacuna, Perry Ng, Rubin Colwill and Kieffer Moore were all recovering from contracting Coronavirus. Thankfully, all have since returned to action and will hopefully avoid any long Covid symptoms. Tom Sang required an injection for a toe injury and Sean Morrison had yet to return from a dislocated elbow, both sustained at the tail end of last season.
Joel Bagan has only just returned from a dislocated shoulder, an injury that has an annoying tendency to recur. Wolves’ juggernaut Adama Traore saw his shoulder pop out so many times last season that physios started greasing his arms up before every game in a successful attempt to prevent any further absences.
Curtis Nelson also had a hernia operation during the break and Josh Murphy has persistent hamstring issues. There are also longstanding fitness issues for Lee Tomlin and Isaac Vassell. After relaying all that, you half expected Mick to quip that, all that aside, Cardiff were in great shape.
Fortunately, most of the above have since returned and are in and around contention for the Barnsley game, but it's far from ideal preparations for another gruelling season of Championship football.
Cardiff have made smart signings, with Mark McGuiness, James Collins (not him, a different one), Ryan Wintle and your next, new favourite player, Ryan Giles. No money has exchanged hands and it is unlikely that any will, such is the current financial climate in football, as clubs count the cost of 18 months without supporters.
Cardiff may still sign a couple more, or have done all their business, depending on whether you believe the rumour mill or Mick, but they could certainly do with a few more. Especially a few more like Giles.
As far as Cardiff’s prospects for the new season are concerned, well, it's safe to expect more of the same, which is both good and bad. There was no reason to throw the baby out with the bath water, because it remains an accomplished second-tier squad, with certain lingering deficiencies.
They have two very good goalkeepers and it's a flip of the coin to decide who starts the season. I expect Alex Smithies may edge Dillon Phillips, but if Cardiff are serious about cost cutting, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of them depart before the window closes. It would be a shame, but an understandable sacrifice under the circumstances.
Cardiff look well stocked in terms of centre backs, but it’s disappointing that last year’s flirtation with Marlon Pack dropping in and out of the back line, as required, appears to have been shelved as a concept. Also, as sad as it was to see Sol Bamba leave, it was encouraging to see him replaced by an up-and-coming prospect in McGuiness.
Ng and Sang provide fierce competition at right wing-back and Giles can deputise for Bagan if required on the left, but I expect he will be required further up the pitch, which is where the problems may lie.
Cardiff have a wealth of midfield options with Pack, Bacuna, Will Vaulks and Joe Ralls, who are all individually very good players, but in tandem, it feels like any combination utilised is a bit too one-paced and samey. Whether or not Wintle can improve the blend remains to be seen.
Last season, Cardiff could call upon Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo and Junior Hoilett further forward, yet still looked a little short of ideas at times. That trio have since departed, plus Gavin Whyte and only Giles has arrived, so creativity, or a lack of, feels like it may once more prove a fundamental weakness. Cardiff still look to be reliant on Tomlin and Murphy, but, unfortunately, their fitness cannot be relied upon.
Cardiff look set to turn to their youngsters, and not before time. Colwill looks a talent and his experience at the European Championships will be invaluable, but it was at the expense of a full pre-season with Cardiff at a crucial stage of his development. All eyes will be on him, but there are a host of others looking to make the step up and I hope the club resists the urge to loan out Mark Harris, who I feel may have an important supporting role to play.
Collins is a solid back-up option, or potential partner, for Moore. Keeping the Welsh international remains a pressing concern because where there’s a Moore, there’s a way.
The relegated trio of West Brom, Sheffield United and Fulham, plus Bournemouth, look a cut above the rest and you would expect that they will duke it out for the promotion places, but aside from them, the rest of the table looks very much up for grabs.
McCarthy’s experience and pragmatism remains a key asset and should keep Cardiff in contention, but the fear is that a disjointed pre-season, the lingering threat of recurring injuries and a Covid outbreak could derail a rather thin squad, but that is likely the case for most other sides too.
With Mick, Moore, Mozza, Giles and a bit of good luck, who knows what will happen. That is the beauty of a new season and a clean slate, but above all else, it will just be nice to witness whatever happens in person. It’s been far too long.
Cardiff have made smart signings, Cardiff have a wealth of midfield options,Cardiff look well stocked in terms of centre backs, two very good goalkeepers, the strength is their.
By Scott Johnson
Thursday 5th August 2021
Football never really stops, especially every other year, when an international tournament bridges the gap between one season and the next. The last couple of seasons felt like they blurred in to one and this season somehow feels like it has crept around again too soon. Especially when you look at a list of Cardiff’s walking wounded.
After a humbling pre-season defeat at the hands of Southampton, Mick McCarthy rattled off a post-match list of those suffering with various ailments and suffice to say, it did little to lift the mood.
Mick confirmed that Leandro Bacuna, Perry Ng, Rubin Colwill and Kieffer Moore were all recovering from contracting Coronavirus. Thankfully, all have since returned to action and will hopefully avoid any long Covid symptoms. Tom Sang required an injection for a toe injury and Sean Morrison had yet to return from a dislocated elbow, both sustained at the tail end of last season.
Joel Bagan has only just returned from a dislocated shoulder, an injury that has an annoying tendency to recur. Wolves’ juggernaut Adama Traore saw his shoulder pop out so many times last season that physios started greasing his arms up before every game in a successful attempt to prevent any further absences.
Curtis Nelson also had a hernia operation during the break and Josh Murphy has persistent hamstring issues. There are also longstanding fitness issues for Lee Tomlin and Isaac Vassell. After relaying all that, you half expected Mick to quip that, all that aside, Cardiff were in great shape.
Fortunately, most of the above have since returned and are in and around contention for the Barnsley game, but it's far from ideal preparations for another gruelling season of Championship football.
Cardiff have made smart signings, with Mark McGuiness, James Collins (not him, a different one), Ryan Wintle and your next, new favourite player, Ryan Giles. No money has exchanged hands and it is unlikely that any will, such is the current financial climate in football, as clubs count the cost of 18 months without supporters.
Cardiff may still sign a couple more, or have done all their business, depending on whether you believe the rumour mill or Mick, but they could certainly do with a few more. Especially a few more like Giles.
As far as Cardiff’s prospects for the new season are concerned, well, it's safe to expect more of the same, which is both good and bad. There was no reason to throw the baby out with the bath water, because it remains an accomplished second-tier squad, with certain lingering deficiencies.
They have two very good goalkeepers and it's a flip of the coin to decide who starts the season. I expect Alex Smithies may edge Dillon Phillips, but if Cardiff are serious about cost cutting, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of them depart before the window closes. It would be a shame, but an understandable sacrifice under the circumstances.
Cardiff look well stocked in terms of centre backs, but it’s disappointing that last year’s flirtation with Marlon Pack dropping in and out of the back line, as required, appears to have been shelved as a concept. Also, as sad as it was to see Sol Bamba leave, it was encouraging to see him replaced by an up-and-coming prospect in McGuiness.
Ng and Sang provide fierce competition at right wing-back and Giles can deputise for Bagan if required on the left, but I expect he will be required further up the pitch, which is where the problems may lie.
Cardiff have a wealth of midfield options with Pack, Bacuna, Will Vaulks and Joe Ralls, who are all individually very good players, but in tandem, it feels like any combination utilised is a bit too one-paced and samey. Whether or not Wintle can improve the blend remains to be seen.
Last season, Cardiff could call upon Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo and Junior Hoilett further forward, yet still looked a little short of ideas at times. That trio have since departed, plus Gavin Whyte and only Giles has arrived, so creativity, or a lack of, feels like it may once more prove a fundamental weakness. Cardiff still look to be reliant on Tomlin and Murphy, but, unfortunately, their fitness cannot be relied upon.
Cardiff look set to turn to their youngsters, and not before time. Colwill looks a talent and his experience at the European Championships will be invaluable, but it was at the expense of a full pre-season with Cardiff at a crucial stage of his development. All eyes will be on him, but there are a host of others looking to make the step up and I hope the club resists the urge to loan out Mark Harris, who I feel may have an important supporting role to play.
Collins is a solid back-up option, or potential partner, for Moore. Keeping the Welsh international remains a pressing concern because where there’s a Moore, there’s a way.
The relegated trio of West Brom, Sheffield United and Fulham, plus Bournemouth, look a cut above the rest and you would expect that they will duke it out for the promotion places, but aside from them, the rest of the table looks very much up for grabs.
McCarthy’s experience and pragmatism remains a key asset and should keep Cardiff in contention, but the fear is that a disjointed pre-season, the lingering threat of recurring injuries and a Covid outbreak could derail a rather thin squad, but that is likely the case for most other sides too.
With Mick, Moore, Mozza, Giles and a bit of good luck, who knows what will happen. That is the beauty of a new season and a clean slate, but above all else, it will just be nice to witness whatever happens in person. It’s been far too long.
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Re: ' The Strength is their '
Thu Aug 05, 2021 8:56 am
A very good assessment of the way things are looking.
If most of the squad perform to the best of their ability, we could be in business. Otherwise, I can only see a mediocre season at best.
Good luck City!
If most of the squad perform to the best of their ability, we could be in business. Otherwise, I can only see a mediocre season at best.
Good luck City!
Re: ' The Strength is their '
Thu Aug 05, 2021 8:58 am
So far Cardiff have signed five new players, four were Free Agents, plus one season long loan signing. 
“ CARDIFF CITY SQUAD 2021-22 “
1. PHILLIPS, Dillon
2. McGUINNESS, Mark
3. BAGAN, Joel
4. MORRISON, Sean (C)
5. FLINT, Aden
6. VAULKS, Will
7. BACUNA, Leandro
8. RALLS, Joe
10. MOORE, Kieffer
11. MURPHY, Josh
14. VASSELL, Isaac
15. WINTLE, Ryan
16. NELSON, Curtis
17. TOMLIN, Lee
19. COLLINS, James
20. WHYTE, Gavin: Gavin Whyte signs for a season long loan to Oxford paying two thirds of Whytes wages.
21. PACK, Marlon
25. SMITHIES, Alex
26. GILES, Ryan
27. COLWILL, Rubin
28. SANG, Tom
29. HARRIS, Mark
30. BROWN, Ciaron
31. RATCLIFFE, George
36. EVANS, Kieron
37. BOWEN, Sam
38. NG, Perry
39. DAVIES, Isaak
“ CARDIFF CITY SQUAD 2021-22 “ 1. PHILLIPS, Dillon
2. McGUINNESS, Mark
3. BAGAN, Joel
4. MORRISON, Sean (C)
5. FLINT, Aden
6. VAULKS, Will
7. BACUNA, Leandro
8. RALLS, Joe
10. MOORE, Kieffer
11. MURPHY, Josh
14. VASSELL, Isaac
15. WINTLE, Ryan
16. NELSON, Curtis
17. TOMLIN, Lee
19. COLLINS, James
20. WHYTE, Gavin: Gavin Whyte signs for a season long loan to Oxford paying two thirds of Whytes wages.
21. PACK, Marlon
25. SMITHIES, Alex
26. GILES, Ryan
27. COLWILL, Rubin
28. SANG, Tom
29. HARRIS, Mark
30. BROWN, Ciaron
31. RATCLIFFE, George
36. EVANS, Kieron
37. BOWEN, Sam
38. NG, Perry
39. DAVIES, Isaak
Re: ' The Strength is their '
Thu Aug 05, 2021 2:26 pm
Forever Blue wrote:So far Cardiff have signed five new players, four were Free Agents, plus one season long loan signing.
1. PHILLIPS, Dillon
2. McGUINNESS, Mark
3. BAGAN, Joel
4. MORRISON, Sean (C)
5. FLINT, Aden
6. VAULKS, Will
7. BACUNA, Leandro
8. RALLS, Joe
10. MOORE, Kieffer
11. MURPHY, Josh
14. VASSELL, Isaac
15. WINTLE, Ryan
16. NELSON, Curtis
17. TOMLIN, Lee
19. COLLINS, James
20. WHYTE, Gavin: Gavin Whyte signs for a season long loan to Oxford paying two thirds of Whytes wages.
21. PACK, Marlon
25. SMITHIES, Alex
26. GILES, Ryan
27. COLWILL, Rubin
28. SANG, Tom
29. HARRIS, Mark
30. BROWN, Ciaron
31. RATCLIFFE, George
36. EVANS, Kieron
37. BOWEN, Sam
38. NG, Perry
39. DAVIES, Isaak
Wintle , McGuiness, Collins , Giles who am i missing...
Re: ' The Strength is their '
Thu Aug 05, 2021 4:46 pm
If you believe Johnson which is something I never do there seems no point in the opposition turning up.
Re: ' The Strength is their '
Thu Aug 05, 2021 9:38 pm
Their what?
Re: ' The Strength is their '
Fri Aug 06, 2021 12:55 am
Good Luck To The Club This Season 
Re: ' The Strength is their '
Fri Aug 06, 2021 6:44 am
maccydee wrote:Their what?
Bank balance
Re: ' The Strength is their '
Fri Aug 06, 2021 7:24 am
Not a bad assessment in the OP but the concern for me and many fans is the creativity factor.
Also, with little pace throughout the team it seems we may start the inevitable long balls and boring games of attrition that most fans hate.
Also, with little pace throughout the team it seems we may start the inevitable long balls and boring games of attrition that most fans hate.
Re: ' The Strength is their '
Fri Aug 06, 2021 8:29 am
OriginalGrangeEndBlue wrote:Not a bad assessment in the OP but the concern for me and many fans is the creativity factor.
Also, with little pace throughout the team it seems we may start the inevitable long balls and boring games of attrition that most fans hate.
There is no creativity, pace or width in the team at the moment. As much as I am looking forward to getting back down there, I am not looking forward to the football well probably have to endure.